Man admits having haul of illegal cigarettes and clothing

January 25, 2022

A man has pleaded guilty to having a large haul of illegal cigarettes and counterfeit clothing at his home in Co Donegal.

Kevin Doherty appeared at Letterkenny Circuit Court today where he pleaded guilty to the charges.

The 46-year-old is charged with having more than 60,000 cigarettes of various brands as well as various quantities of tobacco.

He also pleaded guilty to having various brands of clothing and footwear including Ralph Lauren, Adidas, New Balance, Nike, Fred Perry and Gym King.

All the material was found at an address in Burnfoot on June 11th, 2019.

Doherty pleaded guilty to keeping for sale or delivery specified tobacco products without the appropriate tax stamp contrary to the Finance Act of 2005.

He is also charged with fraudulent application or use of trade mark in relation to goods contrary to Section 92 of the Trade Marks Act 1996.

Barrister Gareth McGrory said his client, with an address at Fern Park in Derry, had no previous convictions in this jurisdiction.

However, he said he did have previous convictions in Northern Ireland for similar offences arising out of this incident.

He said this followed an investigation by both the PSNI and Gardai.

Mr McGrory requested a probation report for his client which was granted by Judge John Aylmer.

The case was adjourned to the next sitting of the circuit court in May for sentencing.

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